Location: Orick
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10 Things to Do in Orick That You Shouldn't Miss
Orick (formerly, Arekw, Orekw, and Oreq, Yurok: 'O'rekw ) is a census-designated place situated on the banks of the Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, California. It is located 43 miles (69 km) north of Eureka, at an elevation of 26 feet (8 m). The population was 357 at the 2010 census.
1. Redwood National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 941 reviews
National park that preserves an area of over 110,000 acres of Redwood rainforest and 50 miles of scenic coastline in Northern California.
Reviewed By Solimar D - Hazleton, Pennsylvania, United States
Drove from San Fran to the redwoods and this is how we made the most of it. On the way from San Fran to Eureka where we were staying the night we stopped at
1. Leggit Chandelier tree - a Tree that you get to drive through. Really fun tourist stop that takes less than 30 minutes
2. Stopped at Curiosity hill just to take some fun funky pictures really neat twighlight zone type of spot
3. Drove through the avenue of the giants as a short detour then got right back on the high way on the way to Eureka
4. Staying in Eureka we ate at AA bar & grill. A bar that THE MOST AMAZING STEAKS. It is after all the only thing on the menu order a side of mac n cheese bites also they are amazing. Also checked out the main street shops, really cool used bookstore with hundreds of books from classic to new. Then checked out the wine spot for some after dinner wine. The place was classy and cozy. People were super friendly and the wine was delicious.
5. Drove to the redwoods taking newton Drury scenic Parkway to see Elk prairie. ALWAYS stop by the prairie creek visitor center to check out conditions and which trails may be closed. Get there early so you can do the most with your day. I recommend being there for 9 am at the latest. (we got there at 11 am and still were able to do all of this but if we would have gotten there earlier would have been able to check out another hike perhaps).
6. Hiked James Irvine trail (5 miles one way) and saw beautiful gorgeous views and sites. Plenty to see. This led to Fern Canyon and to the beach. Absolutely gorgeous hike that wasn't challenging. There are other hikes but I feel that this gave us the most for the time.
7. Drove to the high bluff overlook. Beautiful sunset view. Also drove to klamath cove which is also a gorgeous view. Both of these spots did not require much time but were breathtaking. Klamath cove is known for whale watching but you must bring binoculars and be patient.
Done.
You can add many more stops to your trip if you have more time. There are plenty of wineries on the way from san fran to eureka/redwoods so if you have time make some stops.
2. Newton B Drury Parkway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By ohdonnaoh - Mountain View, California
Thanks to the Thomas H. Kuchel visitors center we found out about this scenic route. It's just so lovely. You get off the 101 at exit 753, turn left to get on and then hook back to the 101 at exit 765. (Same way coming back). Along the way enjoy the beautiful coastal views mixed with majestic redwoods. A view to remember.
3. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 285 reviews
This state park, established in 1923, is part of the Redwoods National and State Park System.
Reviewed By Cameron M - Martinez, California, United States
There are so many hiking and view options in PCRSP. Many reviewers rightly extol the spectacular short walks right around the visitors center. It's so easy for those with limited time or mobility to get right up to amazing enormous redwoods. (Consider also Founders Grove down south midway along The Avenue of the Giants).
Skunk cabbage trail is different. There are a few big redwoods, but the real stars of this show are the droopy, moss-festooned sitka spruce, leaning alders, a freakish proliferation of mushrooms, an ocean view, and NO HIGHWAY NOISE.
Once you get past the wow phase of how friggin big the trees are, old-growth redwood groves are pretty boring; no birds, no bugs, no sound at all, and few understory plants. On the other hand, a spruce grove has a lot of diversity and life. This trail follows the eponymous creek, which is often a swampy bog.
The trailhead is 3/4s of a mile off Hwy 101, on Robinson Road, just past Bald Hills road. The first 2 miles is level'ish but is shot through with tree roots. The next half mile climbs 300 ft to a view of the ocean, then it's 1.5 miles to the beach that adds another 300 ft of rise. Lots of folks turn around at the view point, so the trail to the beach is overgrown.
4. Lady Bird Johnson Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By texaslake - dallas
This was one of my favorite places. Lady Bird probably said it best--in the time spent walking the trail all problems seemed small in the face of such beauty.
5. Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Marc d
We were directed here to gain a permit for the Tall Tree Grove access road. Friendly staff provided us with all the needed information. Maps and souvenirs are on sale.
6. Trillium Falls Hike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By poseyboy0962 - hawaii
This is a good choice for a relatively short and easy hike, some uphill, but mild and short.
It gives a good view of the forest and redwoods. Easy to find the trailhead, Plenty of parking, restrooms etc. There was no one else on the trail the day we hiked.
7. Gold Bluffs Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A beautiful and secluded beach where one can walk a long distance.
Reviewed By chunny737
First of all to get to Fern Canyon would recommend a SUV/Truck as there were many potholes on the road and also a small stream about 1 ft depth of water you have to drive through. Your shoes/socks will get soaked if you plan on walking towards the shore, recommend bringing an extra pair or rainbows would be perfect. We took our two dogs on leash but we were deserted once near the water and they were able to run around in doggie heaven. They are very strict however with dogs being on leash on trails or towards Fern Canyon I'm assuming because we saw multiple signs. This stop was my favorite from our North Coast road rip.
8. Redwood Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Let Redwood Adventures take the hassle out of planning your experience here in Redwood National and State Parks. Enhance your visit with an interpretive tour into the ancient old-growth redwood forest and beyond with one of our naturalists. Our tours will give you an unforgettable experience through exploring the most beautiful areas in the region with our knowledgeable and personable guides. All our guided adventures can be completely customized to meet your interests and abilities, let us do the planning for you! Tours can be either half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6.5 hours); Basic or Deluxe (private with food). Please see pricing below. All tours begin at the Elk Meadow Cabins at 10 a.m. unless otherwise arranged.
Reviewed By dhwolfman - Newbury, New Hampshire
We had a great guide in Justin Legge of Redwood Adventures Tours. He took us on a very informative hike through the redwoods. We learned much and saw an amazing forest that is hard to believe still exists.
9. Redwood Trails Horse Rides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Olav M - Sandefjord, Norway
We had no experience whatsoever with horseback riding. That was no problem, the horses were very easy to handle. We felt safe all the time. Great fun, and a wonderful experience. The forest is fantastic. We took the majestic tour. One learning from this is that horseback riding is challenging, you use muscles you did not know you had. Our bodies were aching afterwards. If you are not experienced with horseback riding, I think the shorter tour is better.
10. Kayak Zak's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By NanaPops - Dinsmore, Ca
What a great escape from work & chores! We rented kayaks at Stone Lagoon for the day and got an intro lesson from the folks at Kayak Zaks, along with tips about wildlife viewing and picnic spots. Instructive, easy, relaxing and fun.
Great service, great equipment. We will definitely be coming back with family and friends.
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